Tripodi throws consumers to the sharks

Legislation, expected to be debated in state parliament early this week, would strip away licence requirements for pre-purchase property inspectors, optical dispensers, lift mechanics, floor finishers and coverers, and kit home suppliers.
 
Commenting on a story in today's Sydney Morning Herald ('Cabinet warned on licence removals', page 5), Dr Kaye said:  "This is the triumph of Joe Tripodi's deregulation ideology over the rights of consumers and the public.
 
"Licensing is an important mechanism to protect the public from dodgy operators. It makes it easier to obtain redress for poor quality work. It is the first line of consumer protection.
 
"Buying a home is the biggest financial decision most people make. Taking away the security of a licensed inspector will increase the risk of massive unexpected costs later on.
 
"Joe Tripodi's deregulation bureaucrats are ignoring the importance home buyers place on these reports. Consumers are highly vulnerable to incompetent and sloppy inspectors.
 
"The licensing system has delivered quality eye care dispensing, with very few complaints and at very low cost.
 
"In many ways it is the prefect regulation. Perhaps its very success is offensive to those who believe in deregulation as an end in itself.
 
"Joe Tripodi is sacrificing public health and safety and consumer protections in his drive to deregulate the state.
 
"The Greens call on the Opposition to join with them in rejecting this legislation," Dr Kaye said.
 
The Herald story is available at:
http://www.smh.com.au/national/cabinet-warned-on-licence-removals-20090622-cu0n.html
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455